Requirements for traceability information and labelling
The main purpose of tracking information is to provide a basis for effective withdrawal/recall of food and other products as a part of consumer expectations for safe products.
Traceability information also includes raw materials and other input factors used in the production of finished products, ref.
The policies include traceability for:
- commodities, plants, animals or food stuff
- materials and objects that are intended to encounter, or may affect, commodities or food stuff.
The guidelines are recommended for foods and non-food products, except for pharmaceuticals.
Areas not described in the guidelines
- Internal tracking systems
- Fodder, allergic practices and agricultural practices, including the use of GMOs
- Prevention of pollution (e.g. disinfectants)
- Development and implementation of quality assurance in a company
- Implementation of product and / or pallet labelling systems, etc.
The above areas are not described in the guidelines, but do not mean that there are no provisions or regulations for this elsewhere.
Traceability information and labelling
EU Regulation 178/2002 requires the products to be labelled to enable traceability.
The labelling must be affixed to the product packaging and be readable.
The information that shall be marked on the product:
- Supplier Name
- Item number / tradename
In addition, the sender’s system must have an overview of which recipient the products have been sent to. The recipient must have an overview of which sender the products are received from.
Information that can be labelled on the products and which will simplify the work:
- Best before date
- Expiry date
- Batch / Lot number
- Identification of load carrier (eg pallet)
In addition, it is recommended:
Sender to register:
- Amount sent
- Shipping Date
- Receipt Date (if known)
Recipient to register:
- Amount received
- Shipping Date (if known)
- Receipt Date
